Match case



Jam. 28, 1958 R. n. KIRKPATRICK 9 9 MATCH CASE Filed. Jan. 15,1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

BY ..:E V I Jan. 28, R958 R. D. KlRKPATRiCK 2,321,074

MATCH CASE Filed Jan. 13, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 oar/er flfi/ezp/are/ac IN V EN TOR.

Uniflmdi it F The present inventio nirelates tofma tch, cases adapted to carrying large numbers of individual matches, and particularly to means carried by the case whereby each of the matches may be rendered self-igniting.

The present invention was brought into being following a long search for a match case that could be simply and easily manipulated in one hand to provide for safe, effective .ignition of matches carried within the case. The problem has .been to find an economical and practical match case of this general type which, in addition to per-v mitting effective competition with ordinary typesof match cases, could be conveniently andsafely carried in the;

pocket or purse of the user.

For years, little has been done to improve the packaging or the technique of use of the common safety matchjf' customarily, such matches are bound in a book with the individual matches joined to form a comb positioned beneath a cover or folding flap portion of the book. An oxidizing agent such as potassium chlorate.

is generally contained in the. heads of the matches while an igniting or flammable composition, usually red phosphorous, is formed into a striking surface secured to an outer surface of the book. To ignite one of the matches, the flap of the book must be opened and amatch detached. Thecover must then be replaced and the match ignited by striking its head against the phosphorous sur face. As is common knowledge, it is virtually impossible to'light the match except by holding the book in one hand and the match in the other. Thereafter, the match must be extinguished and disposed of in a safe manner. If the user is careless in discarding ,thematch, considerable damage may result.

are caused by the discarding of improperly extinguished matches in wastebaskets, refuse cans, picnic areas, for-v ests, warehouses, and in other highly flammable areas.

Generally stated, the present invention is directed to an entirely new concept in the use and packaging of cardboard; safety matches whereby a match may be ignited safely. and effectively by a single motion of one hand. Briefly, a device according to the invention comprises an outer casing, preferably disk-shaped, provided with a flame opening in its peripheral surface. Mounted for rotation within the casing is a wheel or other means supporting a. plurality of matches about its periphery in such manner that head portions of the matches are capable of engaging a striking surface or other means for igniting thematches positioned adjacent the flame opening. Po-

sitioned for actuation externallyof the casing is a mecha-,

nism foradvancing individual matches in sequence against the striking surface "and into the flame opening where the flame is available for lighting cigarettes, cigarsor for other purposes." It is also contemplated that the flame opening be provided with shielding devices or insulation,- prevent'ing the ignition 'offothermatches adjacent the -70 ACcordinglyone "objectof'the invention is to provide a means for packaging and igniting safety type matches It is a mattertof grave public concern, for example, that untold millions in fire losses r 2 a by which the entire operation of lighting the match may-- be accomplished in one hand, leaving the other hand:

free for whatever purpose may be desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a means which is safe and effective in its operation and which eliminates the necessity of discarding a used or burned match.

Another object of the invention'is to provide a means: and mechanism by which the lighting of a match may be accomplished by a single digital movement instead of the four usually required with conventional devices such as book matches.

A particular object of the invention is to provide means for advancing a plurality of radially mounted matches in a match case and which is capable of being operated in one hand to simultaneously ignite a match and to mov it into position for use in the match case. r

Other objects and advantages of the invention will" be clear from the following description and from the" drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a view in perspective of a match case embodying the invention, showing the manner in which it might be manipulated in one hand;

Fig. 2 is a view in section and elevation of the device of Fig. 1 taken from a point just behind the front cover of the device;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of the front cover of device of Fig. 1 taken from the rear;

Fig. 4 is a view in section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3; 1 Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 2 showing a modified form of striking surface;

Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of a further modification embodying the invention;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view in top plan of the device of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a view along the line VIIIVIII of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to that of Fig. 6 of a still further modification embodying the invention;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the advancing lever of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a like view of a modified form of advancing lever; and

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a modified device comprising in combination several units similar to the ones illustrated, for example, in Figs. 1 to 4.

Referring to the illustrative apparatus of the drawings, 29 indicates a match case of inexpensive construction such as cardboard, pasteboard or other suitable material,

capable of being held in one hand in accordance with the invention. Preferably the case 20 is substantially diskshaped and may be fabricated from two substantially cylindrical side or cover portions 22 and 24 secured to Mounted for rotation within the outer casing 20 is a', a

wheel or circular comb 30 supporting a plurality of matches 32 in radially extending relation about its periphery. Preferably the matches 32 are a type of safety match provided with combustible heads 44. The match supporting wheel 30 may be simply mounted for rota-I tion on a pin 34 frictionally engaged in central openings 36 in each of the sides 22,24 of the case.

case.. 1

Although the wheel 30 maytakeanydesired formya F preferred construction shown in Fig. 2 comprises a circular comb fabricated or cut from a single stifi piece of 2,821,074 Patented Jan. 28 1958 the a If ee sired,a spot of gluemay be applied to the endso fathe" pin 34 to prevent its becoming unfasten'ed from'the" cardboardior'laminate Ifpdesired suitably shaped inher and outerspacepmembers-38 and may be glued or ..otherwise -secured to the-sides -ofwthe wheel 30-. This construction provides a convenient means for rigidly securing the matches 32 in a radially extending rel .tion, and ialso for axially or.-laterally positioninggthe matches Within a casing,- fora purpose to be later explained.

Adjacent the flame opening 28; -.means are provided for igniting .thematches 32 on --movementofthe-matches intoethefiame-opening.- ln-"the preferred embodimentof Fig. 1 to Fig; 4,a relatively-durable-striking-surface-'46* (of red phosphorus or other suitable material) issecured to za-plate memben48 which-may be pivotally mounted by staples,. clamps or other means 1 49 adjacent the "flame opening. Desirably the'plate rnember 48 has rat-least one side.constructedfora reflective material, such as -a pol ished metal or other suitable material, providingaheatreflecting: surface. 50 shielding a unused matches behind thexstriking.v surface from -the heat -of-oombustion in the flame opening; Flame-proof means may also be provided. on the oppositeiside of the flame opening or on the back side 22 of thecasingadjacent the opening. In the illustrated apparatus a: thin strip-of asbestos,- metal or other material is .stapledor otherwise secured to the inner surface of the casing 26, as at 54, -sothat a flap or protective curtain 52 is provided to prevent reignition of a previously ignited.match..,; Fora similar purpose a thin layer of asbestos or metal. 56'rmay-advantageously be securedto the;back -co.ver;22, 'as best :seen in Fig. 2.

Itisafeature sofithe. invention that anactuating or advancing mechanism 60 is provided, preferably responsive to-a;-singledigital, movement, to-simultaneously advance a match against the striking. surface246 andinto'the flame opening.28.' In the preferredzembodimentillustrated, the actuating mechanism comprises a small wheel or rctary device-62 mounted forrrotationin a slot564'provided in the outer cover 24. As: shown in-Figifi, the'wheel 62 ro-' tates about a pin 66 secured .to theinside: of ithe=cover by a spot of glue, staple or =other:device-.. Desirably the axis of; thepin is on a :line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the match carrying wheel 30 so that. themember 62 is capable of rotating in a horizontal plane in abutment, with side portions of the matches 32. Serrations or roughened areas 68 on; the periphery of the memberi62 serveto advance the matches against the striking surface 46 on rotation of the .wheel member 62 in counterclockwisedirection, as seen in Figs. land 4.

As previously mentioned, spacer members 38, 40,.may be employed to position the matches along the axis of theypin 34 a desired distance from the actuating wheel 62. In the form shown, the spacers are secured to the combor wheel 30, and by engagement with sides 22, 24 of the caseprovide a certainv amountoffrictional drag which is only-overcome by positive rotation of theiactuating wheel 62, thereby preventing accidental movement of the matches. The spacers may also be employed to advantage, for advertising or other purposes, by providing a window 41 in the side of the case in which writing 42 on the exterior of the spacer 38 is clearly visible (Figs. 1 and 2).

To prevent accidental'ignition ofa match due to-ex-.

ternal jostlingof. the actuating wheel 62, .a safety device 70 may be additionally provided. In the devices of Figs. 1 to 4, the mechanism of the safety device consists simply of a stop 72 slidably mounted on a pin or rivet 74 and provided with an extending finger bar 76. Preferably the rivet 74 is frictiona lly engaged by the slot 78 in the stop so that the-stopwill tend to remain in fixed sliding position.

To a Worker skilled in the art it will'be clear that the device just describedprovidesa match .case'which for.

the first time; enables :a plurality of individual matches containedin thecaseto be sequentially ignited by manipulation of the case in just one hand. No longer is it necessary to-freerboth hands each time it is desired to' light a cigarette, cigar, pipeor the like. Instead the de vice of the invention permits such every day routine operations-tobe performed" in safety and in asingle quick motion.

Figs. 6 to 8 illustrate a modified form of match case employing as the actuating or advancing mechanism a simple lever 80. In this embodiment, a cammed slot 82 in the peripheral portion 26a of the case provides for forward movements of the-matches 32 while in positive engagement with the lever. and-thereafter permits the lever to be disengaged from the'matches for a return movement to it's original 'matchadvan'cingposition.

Referring specifically. to Fig. .8, a suitable construction for the lever 80" comprises an actuating button'84' of suflicient size to prevent its" fslippingithrough the cammed slot 82. Extending downwardly from the button is a lever having a shank portion 86 terminating in a right angle etxension 88. As indicated by the dotted line positions in Figs. 7 and 8, the lever extension 88 is adapted to pass between adjacent matches 32"for purposes. of rotatively advancing the wheel 30;" In use, forward movement of the lever '80 along the path indicated by the arrows 90 will act to advance amatch against the striking surface 46a and intothe' flame opening 28a.

Preferably the slot 82 is provided with a cut-out or cammed-portion92' to permit return movements of the lever 80"in'.such. manner that the lever extension 88 becomes disengaged from the matches 32. As indicated by the arrows 93,"the lever moves from a position 94 between 'a first pair of adjacent matches 32 to a position at 96 from whence it can be subsequently moved along the path of arrow 98 to an advancing position 100 between When not in use, the.

the'next pair. of adjacent matches. lever 80 preferably is retained in a safe position in a re-' cess 102"provided in the slot 82.- thisstructure permits ignition of a match by a single movement of the thumb orforefinger in the direction of arrows 90, and return of the lever to an advancing position' by a similar movement in the direction of the arrows 93.

In the device of Figs. 9 to 11', the actuating or advancing mechanism takes the form of a hinge means in which movement of "the lever in one direction causes a positive advancing engagement of the lever with the matches. whereas movement of the lever in an opposite direction tic or resinous composition, such as polyethylene. In the. device illustrated'the' ,hinge extension 114 is curved in.

It will be clear that shape to resemble one half of a cylinder with its inner end 116 rigidly secured'to the peg 112 by an adhesive or other suitable means. the peg-in the-direction of the arrow 118 (Fig. 10) will causethe 'open' edges of the'h'inge extension 114 to rigidly engage oneofthe'match'e's 32; moving the match in.,a

counterclockwise direction in the match case of Fig. 9. On the'otherhand, a'rever'se or backward movement of theknobllfl will cause the hinge extension 114 to bend as indicated 'bythe dotted line position 120, enabling the advancing mechanismtoreturn toan advancing position between'the next pair of matches. In this way each of the matches 32'may be advanced against the striking surface 46 and' into thefiame opening 28.

It will be understood that movement of If desired, a spring.

122 may beemplo'ye'd to accomplish the return movement of the button."

In Fig. 11 a further modification of a hingedt'ype of advancing mechanism "is "illustrated; In-Mthis embodiment one-portion" 132 of a hinge, such as a conventionaltpianor; hinge, is'rigidly secured tothe' advancing knobor button '130. The extendinghinge portion 134 is normallybiased M by the pressure of a relatively weak clip spring 136 into the full line position shown. In this position the hinged device 130 is capable of advancing a match against the striking surface 46 and into the flame opening of the match case. A return movement of the button 130 will cause portion 134 to move to the dotted line position 135 on contact with a match 32 until, eventually, it returns to the full line position between the next two adjacent matches in series. It will be understood, in the forms illustrated in Figs. and 11, that the frictional drag of the wheel 30 and spacers 38 and 49 will normally be suflicient to overcome the pressure of the plaster hinge 114 or clip spring 136, and thereby prevent backward rotation of the matches.

To those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, many additional changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, instead of the striking surface being integral with the reflector surface as in Figs. 2, 6 and 9, a separate wedge-shaped striking surface 140 may be provided (Fig. 5) and adapted for use in conjunction with a separate reflector plate 142 pivotally mounted as before. If desired, the striking surface 140 could be removably mounted in the case, as by brackets or other convenient means (not shown). Also it is contemplated that a plurality of circular match cases of the type described might be mounted in tandem as in Fig. 12, with each unit being provided with an actuating mechanism 60 capable of operating the match carrying wheels 30. Accordingly, the disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

I claim:

1. In a match case of a type particularly adapted to the ignition of a match by manipulation of the case in one hand, the combination comprising: an outer substantially disk-shaped casing provided with a flame opening in its peripheral surface; said casing mounting a spindle axially thereof and a striking surface adjacent said flame opening; wheel means mounted for rotation on said spindle; a plurality of matches supported about the periphery of said wheel and extending radially outwardly therefrom; and actuating means carried by said casing and radially offset from the axis of said spindle for causing rotation of said wheel means, said means being capable of actuation by a single digital movement of one hand to force a match into said flame opening simultaneously with ignition of the match against said striking surface.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said striking surface is provided with reflector means serving to prevent ignition of adjacent matches by the heat of combustion.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein flame proof means are additionally provided on a side of said flame opening opposite said striking surface, thereby serving to prevent re-ignition of a previously ignited match.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a rotatable member having a roughened peripheral surface adapted to frictionally engage side portions of said matches, said member rotatably mounted on an axis in the plane of a side of said disk-shaped casing so as to extend on either side thereof.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a reciprocable lever.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said lever is capable of moving in a shaped slot while engaging a match and of subsequently moving in said slot to its original position without engaging a match.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein said lever includes hinge means allowing return of the lever without any substantial reverse movement of a match.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

